The Nexus House – a compact single-family home in the University Heights section of Madison, Wisconsin – is the latest beautiful creation from Johnsen Schmaling Architects. Composed of two principal building blocks – a two-story brick podium partially carved into the site’s existing slope and a linear cedar-clad meander that wraps up and over the podium before transforming into a cantilever, “public” functions, including garage, support rooms, and an open living hall – are located in the brick base. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer immaculate views, framed by pronounced exterior steps that lead up the slope to the home’s front door; a glazed recess with a delicate steel canopy marking the vertical joint between the two distinct building blocks.